It has been pretty wet in Oregon. The snows have melted and we’ve had some crazy rain. Now we’re having our standard drizzle. I decided to try a hike that’s basically in city limits – I didn’t feel like driving that far. Also, I was looking forward to a more open hike, not quite as dense. So Wild Iris Ridge it is!
The trailhead looks a little muddy, but it was gravel the whole way. This first part is a little more rough rock, but it switches out to gravel quickly.
You can see it’s a very well-maintained path (by the city, I believe). This was definitely more open – lots of light and sky, even if it is cloudy.
Being a native Oregonian, I can tell you nothing about these berries. I did not eat any.
These berries are also a mystery. Again, no eating.
I did a little research after my hike and found a lot of heritage research companies online that would love to take my money. I did not, however, find anything on a John J. Shaddy. Whoever he was, somebody was nice enough to put in a bench to sit and chat with him.
There are a lot of things going on in this wooded area. Lots of different kinds of moss, bark, algae, etc. Makes for interesting viewing.
Speaking of fungi and algae… here’s a nice cluster!
I’m not sure what this is. I assume it’s not a strange gravesite, but instead probably an old tower base.
Itty bitty acorns.
This is a great sitting rock! There are a few benches and this rock, if you want to stop and rest or read a book.
There were two bridges – you can’t see the second one, but it’s just down the path. These were great, nonslip metal bridges that went over some very boggy ground.
Here’s the summit. I could have walked out to the middle, but there wasn’t a lot to look at, especially with the hazy gray weather. I cannot wait to see this in the spring/early summer though! This hike will be popping with flowers!
Oh hey. A water tower.
Another nice bench. This one has its back toward a residential area.
I want to call this a ghost berry.
These are not commonly green (at least, in my experience), so I had to snap a picture of them. I think the fungi has an algae problem? No matter, it’s still pretty!
Overall, this was a good hike for people who want a hike in the city. Indeed, I saw over a dozen people on this rainy day, and many of them looked like it was their regular source of exercise. If I come back, it will be to see the flowers and maybe a sunrise. I saw two groups of people with five dogs total, and not a leash to be seen. I also saw some people I know from work, which was a very nice surprise.
Time: 1:38, Distance: 3.5 miles, Elevation Gain: 657 ft
The Happy Viking 